Actuarial Science

Maryville's comprehensive Actuarial Science program will launch you into a career as a business executive who specializes in financial risk evaluation and assessment. Recognized by the Society of Actuaries (SOA) as an "Advanced Undergraduate Program," we will better prepare you for SOA exams than will many other distinguished schools. With exceptional faculty, integrated liberal arts and professional studies curricula, and an almost 100 percent job placement rate, you'll be well-equipped for success.

 

Program Features

The Accelerated Master's Option
In your third year as an actuarial science undergrad, you can apply for the Accelerated Master's option. This shortens the time you spend in school and saves you money.

Four of the courses you take senior year will also count toward the master's program. After earning your bachelor's degree, you'll only have 24 credits left to complete, along with one professional exam.

 

Our Actuarial Science Master's program is tailored to prepare you for the advanced exams necessary for Fellowship in the Society of Actuaries. Check out our page on graduate studies in Actuarial Science for more information.

Financial Aid/Scholarships
Thanks to General American Life Insurance Company, the St. Louis Actuaries Club and the St. Louis actuarial community, we're able to offer you a variety of scholarship opportunities. One such award, specifically reserved for new applicants to the Actuarial Science program, is the Margot Pallmann Scholarship for Actuarial Science. For more information about Maryville financial aid and scholarships, contact the Financial Aid Office at 314-529-9360.

 

 

The Actuarial Exam System
In 2005, the Society of Actuaries revised its examination structure. The SOA now requires potential associates to complete certain coursework in VEE (Validated by Education Experience) subjects.

 

As one of the Society of Actuaries' plot groups, Maryville University offers courses that have been approved by the VEE Administration Committee to fulfill the requirements of topics in Corporate Finance, Economics and Applied Statistical Methods.

Our undergraduate curriculum coordinates with the first four actuarial exams (Exam P, Exam FM, Exam MLC, Exam C) jointly sponsored by the Society of Actuaries and Casualty Actuarial Society. The following tables give specifics about how the courses you'll take relate to the professional exams.

Professional Exams
Exam P
 
Exam FM
 
MATH 151
Calculus I

ACCT 210
Financial Accounting
 
MATH 152
Calculus II

ECON 201
Macroeconomics
 
MATH 251
Calculus III

ECON 202
Macroeconomics
 
ACSC 305
Insurance and Risk

ACSC 414
Theory of Interest
 
ACSC/MATH 370
Mathematical Statistics I

ACSC 415
Financial Mathematics I
 
ACSC/MATH 371
Mathematical Statistics II

ACSC 416
Financial Mathematics II
 
ACSC/MATH 372
Mathematical Statistics III

ACSC 495
Seminar for Exam II
 
ACSC 394
Seminar for Exam I
  
Exam MLC

Exam C
 
ACSC 421
Actuarial Modeling I

ACSC/MATH 371
Mathematical Statistics II
 
ACSC 422
Actuarial Modeling II

ACSC/MATH 405
Statistical Modeling I
 
ACSC 510
Risk Theory

ACSC/MATH 406
Statistical Modeling II
 
ACSC 497
Special Studies

ACSC 497
Special Studies

 

Professional/Career Opportunities

Actuarial Science as a Career
Actuaries solve problems in insurance, finance and other related fields by applying practical and theoretical knowledge of mathematics and business techniques. In this increasingly more necessary field, you might help determine rates and premiums on insurance policies, or forecast future events that could affect insurance programs. Some actuaries work with consulting firms, giving advice to corporations about their insurance and pension programs. Others are employed by government agencies, corporations and universities. Most actuaries specialize in life and health insurance, property and liability insurance or pension plans.

 

In a comparison of 250 careers by The Jobs Rated Almanac - whose criteria included work environment, income, stress level, security, physical demands and employment opportunities - actuarial science was ranked as the "number one job" in the nation.

Career Preparation
The Career Educatation Center provides you with resources and guidance to help you get where you want to go after graduation.

 

Plus, we bring employers to you by setting up on-campus recruitment sessions with major companies. Each February, Maryville hosts an Actuarial Science Career Day. Employers from many local and regional companies come to campus to meet Actuarial Science students and discuss career opportunities in an informal setting.

 

 

Degree Offerings and Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science

 

Admission Requirements
If you're an aspiring actuary, you should have a high aptitude for mathematics and a sincere interest in the world of business and finance. You'll also need a sub-score of at least 26 on the math portion of the ACT.